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Sales tax funds to aid reopening of former Sweden Creme

By Jan SchultzThe Imperial Republican The former R&M Sweden Creme at 1134 Broadway will be reopening in April under new ownership. Purchase of the restaurant is being helped with a $40,000 low-interest loan from the city’s sales tax funds earmarked for economic development. Approval of the funding came at Monday’s city council meeting. Earlier, the loan review and citizens advisory committees had also approved the $40,410 loan. Purchasing the restaurant are Jennifer Bell and Jason Faling, who have formed a corporation named FaBe, Inc. Both attended Monday’s council meeting, along with representatives of the Imperial Credit Union, where an additional business loan has been received. Bell and Faling expected to close on the loan Wednesday this week. Bell, who has worked in the city’s public works department, said she will be quitting her job to work in the new enterprise. The new owners are renovating the restaurant with a new color scheme. Bell said they plan to be open seven days a week, with extended hours after local games. Wireless internet connections are planned, and they’ll have an extended menu, she said, including salads. They will also continue to offer burgers and ice cream, she noted, and the drive-through service will remain open. One big change will be the extended hours in the morning for breakfast items. Bell said they intend to offer breakfast burritos and omelets, and a line of espresso coffees. Terms of the loan from the sales tax funds include a 2% interest rate and regular financial reports to the council. Imperial Economic Development Director Leslie Carlholm told council members the new owners have “an excellent business plan.” Previous owners of the R&M Sweden Creme were Ron and Mary Harding of Holyoke, Colo.